My Apologies to Mr. McCain - Your Son is a Damn Good Football Player

A couple of days ago, Matthew Stanley came across this message sent to the Bolts From The Blue Facebook page (which you should like if you haven’t already).

Tarvio McCain

Tarvio McCain is Chris McCain’s father, and the article he’s referring to was the Chris McCain 90 in 90 (which, speaking as a completely unbiased source, you should absolutely read), in which I had this to say about Chris:

“Will he be able to crack the 53? I'm really not sure. I'm not certain that McCain really fits in anywhere on a 4-3 defense because I think his best role is as a 3-4 OLB (think Jerry Attaochu before he disappeared). McCain is a 'tweener' who hasn't been able to settle at either DE or LB in his NFL career so far.”

After ruling out the possibility of McCain winning a spot as LB on the team, I discussed his fit as a backup LEO (which is the role he’s currently thriving in):

“On paper, that sounds like a role that suits him, as his biggest strength is undoubtedly his pass rushing, but I'm skeptical that 236 lbs is big enough to play anywhere on the DL. He might be 6'5, but that's awfully light to be fighting against the behemoths on the OL every play.”

“McCain definitely has a chance to grab a roster spot, but he's going to need to show that he's strong enough to hold his own on the DL.”

I thought McCain would be battling with Chris Landrum just to stay on the team, but never really get any actual game time even if he did make the roster. He just seemed to have too slight a build to play on the defensive line in the NFL.

Well, I was wrong, wasn’t I?

McCain has been a real bright spot for the defense this year as a third option, combining with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram to make up the best pass rushing trio in the entire NFL. He’s been able to use his slim frame to his advantage, exploding around Offensive Linemen with rare athleticism.

After bouncing around a couple teams in the league, McCain has finally been able to show what he can do with the Chargers. He’s an FA at the end of the season, and he’s going to get the first major payday of his NFL career - deservedly so. He’s developing into a very good pass rusher in a league that’s always on the lookout for players to go after the QB.

I appreciate you reaching out, Tarvio. I was absolutely wrong on Chris McCain, and I hope he signs a deal to remain a Charger for the foreseeable future. If Bosa, Ingram, and McCain all get signed to long-term deals with the Chargers, opposing Quarterbacks aren’t going to enjoy seeing the Bolts on their schedule.

EDITORS NOTE: Tarvio was very humble and rightfully proud of his son. It’s things like this that remind us that even though these men play in the NFL, they have families and relationships just like all of us.